PRICE ZS CENTS / NO PLAYS EXCHANGED 

HMIHOUR 



pp«- 



>^^ '^^ 



GRAFT 



^ 



M 



/^ /^ '^ 



-/ y ^ 



iB^a — t^„ 



TSDENISON & COMPANY 

PUBLISHERS CHICAGO 



DENISON'S ACTING PLAYS 

Partial List of Successful and Popular Plays. Larere Catalogue Free. 
Price 15c each. Postpaid, Unless Different Price is Given 



DRAMAS, COMEDIES, 
ENTERTAINMENTS, Etc. 

M. F. 

Aaron Boggs, Freshman, 3 

acts, lYi hrs (25c) 8 8 

After the Game, 2 acts, \% 

hrs (25c) 1 9 

All a Mistake, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 

(25c) 4 4 

American Hustler, 4 acts, 2^ 

hrs (25c) 7 4 

Arabian Nights, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 4 5 
As a Woman Thinketh, 3 acts, 

2J4 hrs (2Sc) 9 7 

At the End of the Rainbow, 3 

acts, IVi, hrs (25c) 6 14 

Bank Cashier, 4 acts, 2 hrs. 

(25c) 8 4 

Black Heifer, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 

(25c) 9 3 

Brookdale Farm, 4 acts, 2^4 

hrs (2Sc) 7 3 

Brother Josiah, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 

(25c) 7 4 

Burns Rebellion, 1 hr (25c) 8 5 

Busy Liar, 3 acts, 2J4 hrs. 

(25c) 7 4 

College Town, 3 acts, 214 

hrs (25c) 9 8 

Corner Drug Store, 1 hr. 

(25c) 17 14 

Danger Signal, 2 acts, 2 hrs. . 7 4 
Daughter of the Desert, 4 

acts, 2J4 hrs (25c) 6 4 

Down in Dixie, 4 acts, 2i/4 

hrs (25c) 8 4 

Dream That Came True, 3 

acts, 2Vx hrs (25c) 6 13 

Editor-in-Chief, 1 hr (25c) 10 

Enchanted Wood, 1^ h.(35c).Optnl. 
Everyyouth, 3 acts, 1J4 hrs. 

(25c) 7 6 

Face at the Window, 3 acts, 2 

' hrs (25c) 4 4 

Fascinators, 40 min (25c) 13 

Fun on the Podunk Limited, 

IVz hrs (25c) 9 14 

Heiress of Hoetown, 3 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 8 4 

High School Freshman, 3 acts, 

2 hrs (25c) 12 

Honor of a Cowboy, 4 acts, 2^^ 

hrs (25c) 13 4 

Indian Days, 1 hr (50c) 5 2 

In Plum Valley, 4 acts, lYx 

hrs (25c) 6 4 

Iron Hand, 4 acts, 2 hrs.. (25c) 5 4 
Tayville Junction, ll^ hrs. (25c) 14 17 
Kingdom of Heart's Content, 3 

acts. 2^ hrs (25c) 6 12 

Lexington, 4 acts, 2J4 h..(25c) 9 4 



Light Brigade, 40 min (25c) 10 

Little Buckshot, 3 acts, 2^4 hrs. 

(25c) 7 4 

Lodge of Kye Tyes^ 1 hr.(25c)13 
Lonelyville Social Club, 3 acts, 

1J4 hrs (25c) 10 

Man from Borneo, 3 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 5 2 

Man from Nevada, 4 acts, 2i/4 

hrs (25c) 9 5 

Mirandy's Minstrels (25c) Optnl. 

New Woman, 3 acts, 1 hr.... 3 6 
Old Maid's Club, 1J4 hrs. (25c) 2 16 
Old Oaken Bucket, 4 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 8 6 

Old School at Hick'ry Holler, 

Wa hrs (25c) 12 9 

On the Little Big Horn, 4 acts, 

2^ hrs (25c) 10 4 

Out in the Streets, 3 acts, 1 hr. 6 4 
Prairie Rose, 4 acts, 2}4 hrs. 

(25c) 7 4 

Rustic Romeo, 2 acts, 2>4 

hrs (25c) 10 12 

School Ma'am, 4 acts, 1^ hrs. 6 S 
Scrap of Paper, 3 acts, 2 hrs.. 6 6 
Soldier of Fortui»fe, 5 acts, 2^ h. 8 3 
Southern Cinderella, 3 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 7 

Third Degree, 40 min (25c) 12 

Those Dreadful Twins, 3 acts, 

2 hrs (25c) 6 4 

Tony, The Convict, 5 acts, 2^ 

hrs (25c) 7 4 

Topp's Twins, 4 acts, 2 h. (25c) 6 4 
Town Marshal, 4 acts, 2% 

hrs (25c) 6 3 

Trip to Storyland, \M hrs. (25c) 17 23 
Uncle Josh, 4 acts, 2% hrs. (25c) 8 3 
Under Blue Skies, 4 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 7 10 

Under the Laurels, 5 acts, 2 hrs. 6 4 
When the Circus Came to 

Town, 3 acts, 2^ hrs. (25c) 5 3 
Women Who Did, 1 hr. . . (25c) 17 
Yankee Detective, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 8 3 

FARCES, COMEDIETAS. Etc 

April Fools, 30 min 3 

Assessor, The, 10 min 3 2 

Baby Show at Pineville, 20 min. 19 

Bad Job, 30 min 3 2 

Betsy Baker, 45 min 2 2 

Billy's Chorus Girl, 25 min... 2 3 

Billy's Mishap, 20 min..'. 2 3 

Borrowed Luncheon, 20 min.. S 

Borrowing Trouble, 20 min.... 3 5 

Box and Cox, 35 min 2 1 

Case Against Casey, 40 min... 23 

Convention of Papas, 25 min.. 7 

Country Justice, 15 min 8 

Cow that Kicked Chicago, 20 m. 3 2 



T.S.DENISON&COMPANY,Publishers.154W.RandolphSt.. Chicago 



GRAFT 



A POLITICAL EPISODE IN ONE ACT 



BY 

HARRY L. NEWTON 

AUTHOR OF 

'Breakfast Food for Two," "A Bundle of Burnt Cork Comedy," "The Coming 
Champion," "The Coontown Thirteen Club," "The Corner Drug Store," 
"The Counterfeit Bills," "A Dutch Cocktail," "Five Minutes from Yell 
College," "The Heiress of Hoetown," "The Little Red School House," 
"Laughland, Via the Ha Ha Route," "Marriage and After," 
"Oshkosh Next Week," "The Pooh Bah of Peacetown," 
"The Rest Cure," "Si and I," "A Sunny Son of 
Italy," "The Troubles of Rosinski," "Two Jay 
Detectives," "Uncle Bill at the Vaude- 
ville" and "When the Circus 
Came to Town." 




CHICAGO 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY 

Publishers 



GRAFT ^^,3 



CHARACTERS. 

Henry Donlin An Alderman 

Steve Donlin His Vagabond Brother 

"Spike'' McGinnis A Political Fixer 

John R. Spencer Of the Era Electric 

Mrs. Donlin The Alderman's Wife 



Place — Rock City, Indiana. 

Time — Early Afternoon. 

Time of Playing — Thirty Minutes. 



Notice — Production of this play is free to amateurs, but the 
sole professional rights are reserved by the Publishers. 



COPYRIGHT, 1913, BY EBEN H. NORRIS. 



TMP96-0G709i 



§)C!,D 35401 



GRAFT. 



THE STORY. 



The Era Electric Light Company, anxious to obtain a 
franchise in Rock City, conclude that the rights can only 
be secured through the ''manipulation" of certain of the 
city's aldermen. John R. Spencer, the company's repre- 
sentative, calls on Henry Donlin for the purpose of buying 
his vote. Henry, however, is out, and Steve Donlin, his 
vagabond brother, receives Spencer instead. The latter, 
thinking he is dealing with the alderman, hands over a roll 
of money and departs. As Steve is about to go, Mrs. 
Donlin arrives. She believes her husband to be the em- 
bodiment of all that is good and noble, and in the course 
of the ensuing conversation with Steve, the latter has a 
change of heart. He tells the wife that Spencer mistook 
him for the brother, and that he accepted the bribe, but 
that Henry would not have been guilty of such an act. He 
hands her the money, tells her that Henry will vote "no" 
to the proposed franchise, and is about to leave when 
Henry returns. Steve dictates certain policies that Henry is 
to pursue and then goes, leaving the husband inwardly 
raving but afraid to speak, and the wife still thoroughly 
believing in her husband's integrity. 



LIST OF PROPERTIES. 

Cigars in box. Two rolls of greenbacks. Letter paper, 
pen and ink. Liquor flask and small glass. 



STAGE DIRECTIONS. 

R. means right of the stage ; C, center ; R. C, right cen- 
ter ; L., left ; 1 E., first entrance ; U. E., upper entrance ; 
R. 3 E., right entrance, up-stage, etc.; R. D., right door; 
L. D., left door, etc. ; D. F., door of flat or back of the stage ; 
up-stage, away from footlights, down stage, near footlights ; 
1 G., first groove, etc. The actor is supposed to be facing 
the audience. 



GRAFT. 



CHARACTERS AND COSTUMES. 

Henry Donlin — About 40 years of age, suave and well- 
groomed, smoothly shaven. Wears black frock coat, white 
vest and light trousers, high hat and black four-in-hand tie. 

Steve Donlin — Thirty years old. He has a general air 
of easy-going, down-at-the-heel appearance, with signs of 
dissipation showing in his face. He is cheeky and self- 
assured at first, but towards the last displays the true man- 
hood that lies within him. 

''Spike'' McGinnis. About 25 years of age. A typical 
"cheap" ward heeler. Wears "loud" clothing, smokes big 
cigar and flourishes a light walking stick. 

John R. Spencer — Fifty years old or thereabouts. An 
oily individual. Wears well made business suit, gloves and 
straw hat. 

Mrs. Donlin — A handsome woman of about 30. Wears 
fashionable afternoon street costume. 



GRAFT 



Scene: A boxed interior in 3 G., zvith practical doors C. 
and R. and L. A flat top office desk stands C, with swivel 
chair at back, and straight chairs R. and L. of desk. A 
hatrack stands R. of C. D. Other furniture to give the 
whole effect of a handsome private office. 

At rise Henry is discovered seated at desk writing. He 
raises his head inquiringly as a smart rap sounds on door 
C. He hastily puts away a fezv papers laying on his desk 
before obeying the summons. Tilts back in chair and 
meekly places both hands on desk before him. 

Henry {smoothly). Come in. 

Enter McGinnis^ C. D. He is industriously puffing on 
a huge cigar, twirling cane, and comes in with confident 
air. He stops at C. and shoots a keen glance about. 

McGiNNis. Good morning, Alderman. 

Henry (visibly annoyed, pulls out his watch and notes 
time). You're late. This is afternoon. (Snaps case shut.) 

McGiNNis (pulls handkerchief from pocket and care- 
fully dusts seat of chair R. of desk, then slowly sits). Yes, 
me choofur is to blame. The man he works fer wouldn't 
let him have the car till after luncheon. (Crosses legs and 
puffs on cigar.) But it's never too late. Alderman. (Tzvists 
slozvly about on chair and keenly surveys room.) Ain't 
nobody doin' the Sherlock Holmes thing, is there? 

Henry (snappishly). No. Hurry up! What did you do? 

McGiNNis. Say, wait a minute! Wait a minute! (Lol- 
ling back in chair, smoking indolently.) 

Henry. Come on. Get down to brass tacks. I haven't 
got all day to spend in your delightful company. 

McGiNNis (straightening slozvly and surveying Henry 
coldly). Well, well. What d'ye tliink of that!' Well, well! 
Say, Alderman, time was when I'd a been scared stiff at 

5 



6 GRAFT. 

them kind of words from you; but not no more. Now I 
takes my time, and if you don't like it — (pauses abruptly 
and puffs a cloud of smoke in Henry's face). 

Henry (choking and zvaving smoke azvay). For pity's 
sake! Did you ever try smoking real tobacco? (Coughs 
violently.) 

McGiNNis. Alderman, you'll annoy me in a moment. 
Honest, you will. 

Henry (soothingly and again noting time by watch). 
Come, come, McGinnis. Out with it. What did you do? 

McGiNNis. Well, Alderman, since you ask me in such 
a ladylike tone of voice, what I done was this. I fixed it! 

Henry. Good! (Snaps zvatch and puts it in pocket.) 

McGiNNis. When it comes to fixing things, I'm this well- 
known city's best little fixer. Ain't I ? I dare you to say no. 

Henry (eagerly). And you saw — saw — 

McGiNNis (quickly). Nix! No names! Yes, I seen him. 
He got in this mornin'. He'll be here pretty quick to see 
you. Is that good enough, or do you want a mint julep 
wid it? 

Henry (rubs hands together in delighted manner). Yes, 
yes; that's excellent. (Glances cautiously about room, then 
lozvers voice to confidential tone.) And — and the amount? 

McGinnis (recrossing legs and taking a fezv puffs on 
cigar before replying). Five thousand bucks! 

Henry (gloating, rubbing palms together in miserly 
manner). Aha! Five thousand dollars. Excellent, I assure 
you! 

McGinnis. Gee! You don't care a thing for money, do 
you? (Assumes a business-like attitude and stern tone.) 
But here's somethin' you don't want to be fergettin', Alder- 
man. Evans and Black has got to be took care of out of 
some of that. Likewise yours truly. Get me? 

Henry (frozams). Yes, yes, of course. I'll see to it that 
they are remembered. We must have their votes. 

McGinnis. And yours truly — meaning me. Don't let 
that slip your mind. Yours truly. (Taps his chest.) Which 
is me! (Rises.) I ain't around fixin' things fer me good 
health, Alderman. (Moves tozvards C. D.) Anyone can 



GRAFT. 7 

have good health, but it takes a genius to get easy money 
these suspicious times. 

Henry. That's all right, McGinnis. I'll remember you. 
Good day! 

McGinnis (comes back to desk, leans against Henry's 
chair in familiar manner). I guess you'd better slip me 
somethin' now, jes' as a sort of retainer. Say about a hun- 
dred klinkers. What? 

Henry (annoyed and drazving away). Nonsense! My 
word is good. 

McGinnis. Yes, I know that ; but your money is better. 
Come on, Alderman. Kick in while the kickin' is good. 
(Holds out right hand.) 

Henry (hesitates, then reluctantly puts hand in his 
pocket and brings out a roll of bills, counts some and hands 
them to him. ) There you are. Now go. ( Turns to desk and 
busies himself with pen, ink and paper.) 

McGinnis (counts money car ef idly and then tucks it in 
pocket.) Thanks! Whenever youse want anythin' fixed, no- 
tify yours truly. Office hours any time you mention ; night 
work a specialty; information cheerfully furnished; satis- 
faction guaranteed and money cheerfully refunded — if you 
use a gatling gun. Good day, Alderman. I'll be back to- 
morrow for the rest of me dividends. (Swaggers to C. D. 
and exits.) 

Henry (not looking up from his work). Confound him! 
I begin to see where he will have to be "fixed," and that 
before long. (He is busy with pen for a period of fifteen 
seconds, then C. D. opens slozvly and Steve thrusts head in 
and peers cautiously about. Henry continues writing, with 
head bent low over work.) 

Enter Steve. Comes quietly to R. of desk and gases 
curiously at Henry's work. Henry finally feels his pres- 
ence, his eyes slowly leave his zvork, his gace travels to 
Steve's trousers and then slozvly upward to his face. He 
recoils with a startled exclamation. 

Steve (laughs mockingly). Yep! It's me, dear brother! 
Steven Donlin! 



8 GRAFT. 

Henry (chokingly). You tramp — you vagabond — you 
loafer ! 

Steve (helping himself lazily to chair R. of desk). Yep! 
I'm all of those and then some more. Eight years since I 
heard your brotherly voice. Sounds natural, too. Same old 
growl. However, I know you mean well. You know I 
smoke, so pass 'em out. 

Henry (angrily). What do you mean by coming here 
and disgracing me? 

Steve. I haven't had a real good cigar in ages. And as 
for a good gulp of real liquor — huh ! Believe me, brother, 
when I say that it's more than a couple of days. 

Henry (pulls open a draiver zvith a vicious jerk and 
brings out a box of cigars and extends it to Steve). Here! 
I hope you choke ! 

Steve (care f idly selecting a cigar). Say, that reminds 
me. Where do you keep it? You know — the liquor? 

Henry (hesitates, then jerks open another drawer and 
brings out a flask and glass. Glances nervously all about). 
The sam€ wish goes with this that went with the cigar. 

Steve (pours out a drink). I just know you're worried 
sick for fear that I will choke, but I'll fool you. I've taken 
a good many of these without even breathing hard. Here's 
the way. (Gidps drink down, car ef idly lights cigar and 
then leans comfortably back in chair and blows a cloud of 
smoke upzvard.) 

Henry (disgustedly). Ugh! Very interesting, I'm sure. 

Steve (looks admiringly all about). Henry, this looks 
like money in the bank to me. 

Henry (sharply). You've got another look coming, 
young man. Now I'll tell you what I'll do. I have ten good 
dollars here and the price of a ticket to Chicago. Or, if 
that doesn't suit you, the police judge is a particular friend 
of mine, and I'll see that you obtain a nice steady job on 
the rock pile for sixty days. 

Steve (waves a hand nonchalantly) . Nothing near like 
what I had pictured, Henry dear. I dislike to pay railroad 
fare on general principles, and I decline to become a mem- 
ber of the good roads commission in this locality by assist- 



GRAFT. 9 

ing in preparing obstinate rocks for same. No. {Puffs 
thoughtfully.) No. I just believe I'll stick around here a 
bit and get acquainted with your friends — and family. 

Henry (starts). Family? 

Steve. Quite so. I sincerely trust that you have a nice 
family, Henry. (Henry scowls.) Also that they will be 
duly glad to see me. 

Henry (rising angrily). Drop that! Don't bring them 
into this. There's such a thing as nearing the limit — and 
you've about reached the mark now. 

Steve (tvaves a hand. Soothingly). Pray, don't get ex- 
cited, dear brother. Sit down. (Henry hesitates, then re- 
luctantly sits.) Eight years, Henry, has made quite a differ- 
ence in our lives, hasn't it? You're a mighty big man now — 
an alderman. And I — I — (laughs mockingly). Well, look 
me over. A lot of my misfortunes has been my own fault, 
I'll admit. But — more has been yours. 

Henry (sullenly). You had your chance — 

Steve (interrupting sharply). You lie! When fathers 
estate was settled, you double-crossed me, and got the big 
end. 

Henry (sullenly). It can't be proved. 
• Steve (easily). Dear brother, life is too short to try. 
I'm a vagabond, a wanderer, and I'm content to remain one, 
I know what you are and I know what I am. And, some- 
how, I believe I sleep nights the better of we two, even if 
some of my nights are spent in a box car. (Ya7.vns.) I 
have some comfort. I've always believed that I might have 
been a decent member of society but for you. Who knows? 
(Laughs mockingly.) I might even have been an alderman. 

Henry. How did you happen to — to come back here? 

Steve. Quite by accident, I assure you. (Straightens 
quickly and assumes a business-like attitude.) And now 
' I'm going to tell you what I want. 

Henry (sarcastically). Oh, really! Suppose I were to 
tell you what you won't get? 

Steve (looks thoughtfully an instant at the end of his 
cigar, then suddenly at Henry). Eight years is a devilish 
long time to put in the way I have, Henry. Eight long 



10 GRAFT. 

years of hades! (Pause.) Don't you consider that I've got 
something coming to me? (Henry frozvns.) No? Well, 
I do. I do, and I propose to get it! (Rises.) I suppose 
most anyone I chance to meet on the street can direct me 
to Alderman Donlin's residence, so you needn't take the 
time. I'll accept your kind hospitality and remain with you 
for a few days. (Starts for C. D.) 

Henry (quickly on feet, excitedly). No, no! Wait! 
(Steve turns, smiling mockingly). Not so fast, Steve. 
I — I — you can't go to my home, you know. 

Steve (mockingly). Can't I? Pray, what's to prevent? 
Eh? 

Henry (drops in chair again, making great effort to gain 
control of himself. Motions to Steve to sit down.) Sit 
down. (Steve hesitates, then complies.) Now just what is 
your game? Make it brief. (Nervously consults watch.) 
I've an important appointment within a few moments. 

Steve. All right, dear brother. I'll bp brief. I want a 
thousand dollars. Is that brief enough ? 

Henry (picks up pen, taps teeth thoughtfully with end 
of it). And just what do you propose to do, if — mind 
you, I say if — if I give you a thousand dollars? 

Steve (smiles esthetically). I'd play my own system up 
to about five hundred dollars' worth of ham and eggs, 
and — 

Henry (interrupting) . Would you agree never to come 
back here again? 

Steve (tersely). Yes, I'll even agree to that. 

Henry (thoughtfid pause). Very well. You shall have 
your thousand dollars. (Briskly rises.) I haven't that much 
on me, but I believe I can get it within a very few min- 
utes. (Goes to hatrack, gets hat, goes to C. D., turns.) 
If anyone calls while I'm o-one, tell them to wait. (Exit 
C. D.) 

Steve (looks thoughtfully at C. D. for an instant). I 
wonder if he's gone for a cop or a thousand bucks. (Rises, 
yazvns, thrusts hands in pockets and slozvly takes a turn 
about room. Returns to desk, sits and care f idly selects an- 
other cigar.) Um! Brother Henry is some judge of a good 



GRAFT. 11 

cigar. {Lights cigar.) I shall have to burn up part of my 
inheritance in a few of these kind. {Puts feet on desk 
and hlozvs smoke in real enjoyment ceilingward. Smart 
rap sounds on C. D. He remains in tense attitude a mo- 
ment, then turns slondy and thoughtfully gazes at C. D.) 
Somebody evidently desires to enter. I believe somebody 
shall be permitted to enter. {Calls sharply.) Come in! 

Enter Spencer, C. D., carefidly closing door behind 
him. Comes dozvn C. 

Spencer {carefully taking off hat). Mr. Donlin? (Steve 
nods.) I'm a few minutes early, but — {looks around). 
You are alone? {Comes to desk and lays his hat on it. 
Removes gloves.) 

Steve {studying Spencer). Yes — I am alone. 

Spencer {puts out hand). My name is Spencer, of the 
Era Electric. I'm delighted to meet you, Mr. Donlin. {They 
shake hands. Steve is pu/^ded. Spencer sits R. of desk.) 
It won't take me long to get down to business. You saw 
Mr. McGinnis? 

Steve {non-commital anszver). Maybe I did; maybe so. 

Spencer {smiles knowingly). Oh, I understand. One 
cannot be too careful nowadays, Mr. Donlin. {Hitches 
chair towards Steve in confidential manner.) Now, my 
folks — the Era Electric — are anxious to have this fran- 
chise matter cleared up and the ordinance passed as speed- 
ily as possible. You understand? 

Steve {aside). Something's rotten in Denmark, South 
Dakota. {To Spencer.) Oh, yes — to be sure. Sooner the 
quicker, Mr. Spencer. 

Spencer. Very good. I shall not go into exhausting 
details to take up your valuable time, nor mine, as I have 
to catch my train back to Chicago. {Consults zvatch.) We 
are both business men, and while I've never had the pleas- 
ure of meeting you before, I'm enough judge of character 
to open up my mind and be entirely frank with you. Our 
proposition is not actuated by benevolent motives. My 
folks expect to make money from this franchise. 

Steve. Yes? 



12 GRAFT. 

Spencer. And you, as a public-spirited official, must 
disregard the old-womanish traits of some of your citi- 
zens, and give the people what they want. Am I correct? 

Steve. You are correct. The people must have what 
they want. (Quickly aside.) I don't know what they want, 
but they ought to have it anyway. 

Spencer. That is why Mr. McGinnis was approached. 
He is one of the people. He intimated that we could be 
assured of your vote; also that Evans and Black could be 
depended upon. Now I trust that I have convinced you, 
Mr. Donlin. (Again consults zvatcJi.) 

Steve (doubtfully). You have, and you haven't. It all 
depends. Did you bring it with you? 

Spbncer (smiles knowingly). Oh, yes. I was thought- 
ful enough for that. (Reaches in inside pocket and brings 
out a large roll of bills.) In the old days, Mr. Donlin, 
they used to pass checks in these — ahem — matters. These 
days, we pass these. Strictly non-evidence — these. (Passes 
Steve the bills.) 

Steve (takes money and looks curiously at it). You are 
sure you are not making any mistake about this? 

Spencer (pompously). Our folks, Mr. Donlin, never 
make mistakes. (Rises, picks tip hat.) And now I may 
tell my folks that we may expect no opposition from you? 

Steve (caressing money). No. You'll have no opposi- 
tion from me, old top. 

Spencer. Thanks. I feel that we can depend upon you. 
I'll bid you good day, as it will be much safer if I am not 
seen in conversation with you. (Grabs Stevens hand and 
shakes it vigorously.) Awfully glad to have met you, sir. 

Steve. Say, you ain't half as glad as I am. 

Spencer. I perhaps shall see you again sometime. 

Steve. Any old time you like — provided you come 
loaded. 

Spencer (shakes Steve's hand again). Good-bye, Mr. 
Donlin. You'll pardon me if I seem inclined to hurry, but 
I have but a few moments to catch my train. ( Goes briskly 
to C. D., turns.) Bye-bye, Mr. Donlin. (Exits C. D.) 

Steve (drazving a long breath). Whew! Well, wouldn't 



GRAFT. 13 

that can your Delaware peaches? Who wouldn't be an 
alderman? (Looks at money.) But this ain't on the level. 
I know I'm going to wake up in just a minute. (Runs 
edge of hills through his fingers, counting it rapidly.) 
Holy sandwich! Five thousand bucks! (Rises excitedly.) 
Gee, it's a great game! Graft! Intended for my dear, 
good, noble brother ; but the wires got crossed and I — 
(bursts into a hearty laugh), and I copped the merry 
kale! (Sinks into chair and assumes thoughtful pose for 
a moment.) Great! This beats the one thousand I was 
going to get by four thousand dollars. I'll hike with this, 
leave a note for my fond and loving brother, saying I've 
changed my mind, and — (seizes pen and begins to zvrite 
rapidly. Knock sounds on C. D. He remains tense an 
instant, then drops pen and crumbles up paper, half turn- 
ing towards door.) Now who the deuce is that? (Thrusts 
money in inside pocket.) Maybe it's another bunch of 
hush money. (Calls sharply.) Come in! 

Enter Mrs. Donlin, C. D. Steve recoils. 

Mrs. Donlin (glances inquiringly about). I beg your 
pardon — I — (starts in astonishment as she discovers 
Steve.) You! Steven! (Advances tozvard him, smiling 
and zvith outstretched hand.) 

Steve (rising awkivardly and taking her hand. Con- 
fusedly). I — I didn't expect — you here, Sarah. 

Mrs. D. No, of course you didn't. And I, didn't expect 
to come here. I happened to remember something I wanted 
to consult Henry about, and stopped the motor to run in, 
and — (looks quickly about). But where is Henry, and 
how — where did you drop from? 

' Steve (nervously). I don't know — that is, I was just 
passing through town, and — and dropped into say hello 
to Henry, but — (glances helplessly about). 

Mrs. D. (laughs and drops into desk chair). I see. Still 
up to your old tricks, coming and going. But this time you 
are not going to leave town without first paying us a visit 
at the house. 

Steve (nervously). No, no; impossible. I — I — got to go. 



14 GRAFT. 

Mrs. D. Indeed you don't. THe children — you've sim- 
ply got to see them, you know. 

Steve {starts as she says "children"). I — I — haven't 
time. You see, I — I {again looks around). 

Mrs. D. {laughs). Oh, come now. What will Henry 
say? 

Steve (coldly). We'll leave him out of this, if you don't 
mind. 

Mrs. D. Nonsense ! Remember, you are brothers. Blood 
is thicker than water. Just forget everything connected 
with that miserable past, and think only he is your own 
flesh and blood. Your brother! 

Steve {hangs head an instant doithtfully, then raises it 
qtdckly). No — it's no use! I simply can't forget! Good- 
bye, Sarah. {Extends a hand to her.) 

Mrs. D. {ignores it). No, I shan't take it. I want you 
to see my children. And I want you to see Henry in his 
home, with the children — his children and mine — playing 
about his knee. I — 

Steve {interrupting) . No. Good-bye. {Starts resolutely 
for C, D., stops short as if struck by a sudden idea and turns 
back.) Oh, by the way, Sarah. How does Henry intend 
to vote on the Era Electric franchise? 

Mrs. D. {surprised). Eh? He has told me that he is 
opposed to it and will vote against it. Why? 

Steve {brings out package of bills and extends it to 
her). An agent of the company was here a few moments 
ago and handed me this, under the impression that I was 
Henry. It's the price of his vote ! 

Mrs. D. {mechanically takes it). The — the price of his 
vote ? I — I don't understand. 

Steve. It's very easy. Henry would have scorned the 
bribe, but I didn't. Nozv you understand ! 

Mrs. D. {tensely). They tried to bribe him? The noblest, 
truest man in all the world! {Shakes head and smiles.) 
They don't know my Henry! {Proudly smiling at Steve.) 

Steve {dryly). No — that particular man didn't, that's 
a cinch ! But, now, Sarah, all you've got to do is to see that 



GRAFT. 15 

the money goes back where it came from — and that Henry 
votes 110 ! 

Mrs. D. {firmly). I can promise you that. I can faith- 
fully make you that promise. {Proudly.) My Henry would 
do it anyway. 
Enter Henry^ C. D., in time to overhear her last zvords. 

Henry {swiftly trying to take in the situation). What 
would Henry do? (Mrs. Donlin rises and faces Henry.) 

Steve {quickly to Henry, giving her no time to reply). 
Did you get me the money, brother? 

Henry {avoiding his zvifes gaze, taking out a roll of 
hills and handing it to Steve. Gruffly.) Yes — take it! 
{To Mrs. Donlin.) And now what would Henry do, my 
dear? 

Steve {grabs money from Henry's hand). You will 
see that the Era Electric get back their coin! (Henry 
starts.) You will say to them that their Mr. Spencer 
stubbed his toe and slipped the wrong party five thousand. 
And that if you had happened to be here at the time you 
would have crammed the filthy wad down his throat. You 
will cast your vote in the cause of civic purity, brother 
Henry, and defeat the infamous franchise. You will then 
go home to your children and look them in the eyes with 
your eyes, which will not be afraid to meet their innocent 
gaze. You will do all this, brother Henry, and I — I will 
never come back here to disgrace you. Good-bye ! {He 
goes to C. D., turns and gives them a last parting look and 
exits. Henry stands C, with a deep scozul on face and 
gnawing his finger nails. Mrs. Donlin stands at desk 
with bowed head and idly toying zvith package of bills, 
to—) 

Curtain. 



Denison's Vaudeville Sketches 

**A laugh is worth a hundred groans in any market.^* 
Price, 15 Cents Each, Postpaid 

THE GODDESS OF LOVE.— Vaudeville sketch, by Harry L. 
Newton; 1 male, 1 female. Time, 15 minutes. Scene: Simple ex- 
terior. Aphrodite, a Greek Goddess, is a statue in the park. Ac- 
cording to tradition, a gold ring placed upon her finger will bring 
her to life. Knott Jones, a tramp, who had slept in the park 
all night, brings her to life. A rare combination of the beautiful 
and the best of comedy. Novel, easy to produce and a great hit. 

HER HERO. — Vaudeville sketch, by George Totten Smith; 1 male, 
1 female. Time, 20 minutes. To test her lover's courage, a young 
lady pretends she hears a burglar in an adjoining room and in- 
sists that he shall investigate. He meets with a surprise which 
is far from what the jesting maiden had anticipated. Rich com- 
edy and rapid action. 

"Used 'Her Hero' with great success for six successive weeks." 
— Herman Nelms, Nashville, Tenn. 

A HOME RUN. — Vaudeville sketch, by Harry W. Osborne; 
1 male, 1 female. Time, 15 minutes. A bit of baseball non- 
sense introduced into a novel situation. "Inshoots" of wit, 
"out-curves" of mirth and "drop-balls" of hilarity are put over 
the "plate" in rapid succession. 

HOT AIR. — ^Vaudeville sketch, by George Totten Smith; 2 
males, 1 female. Time, 25 minutes. Briggs and his chum after 
a night out. Brigg's wife after an explanation. She finds their 
lovely "fairy tale" simply "hot air" and they find themselves in 
"hot water." Their ingenuity in extricating themselves from 
the humid situation is most amusing. 

IS IT RAINING?— Vaudeville sketch, by Harry L. Newton 
and A. S. Hoffman; 1 male, 1 female. Time, 10 minutes. Otto 
Swimorebeer, a German, Susan Fairweather, a friend of his. This 
act runs riot with fun, gags, absurdities and comical lines. 

"I have had expensive sketches, but your's beat them all." — 
Gust Muech, Milwaukee, Wis. 

A MISTAKEN M I SS.— Vaudeville sketch, by George Totten 
Smith; 1 male, 1 female. Time, 20 minutes. The maiden expects 
to meet a very sedate young man, which part he impersonates, 
although he is quite the opposite. He also makes up as an Irish- 
man. However, the mistake was not amiss for the mistaken 
miss, as he proves to be her willing ideal. Strong plot, plenty 
of "laughs" with opportunity for good acting. 

MR. AND MRS. FIDO. — Vaudeville sketch, by Harry L. Newton; 
1 male, 1 female. Time, 20 minutes. Mrs. Fido's husband and 
her dog Bruno are sick. Johnson, a dog doctor, who is just over 
from Sweden, is mistaken for Mr. Fido's physician, and com- 
plications arise that create more disturbance than a mustard plas- 
ter on a small boy. A great Swede part. 

"We are now playing 'Mr. and Mrs. Fido' to crowded houses. 
Big hit."— The Elliotts, Clay Center, Kan. 

ONE SWEETHEART FOR TWO.— Vaudeville sketch, by Harry 
L. Newton; 2 females. Time, 20 minutes. It is not recorded in 
the book of Time when one sweetheart was sufficient for two 
ambitious maidens. The dialogue and action in this sketch are as 
magnetic as the breeze from an electric fan. 

T. S. DEMSON & COMPANY, 154 W. Randolph St., Chicago 



DENISON'S ACTING PLAYS 

Price 15 Cents Each, Postpaid, Unless Different Price Is Given 



M. F. 

Documentary Evidence, 25 min. 1 1 

Dude in a Cyclone, 20 min.... 4 2 

Family Strike, 20 min 3 3 

First-Class Hotel, 20 min 4 

For Lpve and Honor, 20 min.. 2 1 

Fudge and a Burglar, 15 min.. 5 
Fun in a Photograph Gallery, 

30 min 6 10 

Great Doughnut Corporation, 

30 min 3 5 

Great Medical Dispensary, 30 m. 6 

Great Pumpkin Case, 30 min.. 12 

Hans Von Smash, 30 min.... 4 3 

Happy Pair, 25 min 1 1 

I'm Not Mesilf at All, 25 min. 3 2 

Initiating a Granger, 25 min.. 8 

Irish Linen Peddler, 40 min... 3 3 

Is the Editor In? 20 min... 4 2 

Kansas Immigrants, 20 min... 5 1 

Men Not Wanted, 30 min 8 

Mike Donovan's Courtship, 15 m. 1 3 

Mother Goose's Goslings, 30 m. 7 9 

Mrs. Carver's Fancy Ball, 40 m. 4 3 
Mrs. Stubbins' Book Agent, 30 

min 3 2 

My Lord in Livery, 1 hr. . . . 4 3 

My Neighbor's Wife, 45 min.. 3 3 

My Turn Next, 45 min 4 3 

My Wife's Relations, 1 hr 4 6 

Not a Man in the House, 40 m. 5 

Obstinate Family, 40 min 3 3 

Only Cold Tea. 20 min 3 3 

Outwitting the Colonel, 25 njin. 3 2 

Pair of Lunatics, 20 min 1 1 

Patsy O'Wang, 35 min 4 3 

Pat, the Apothecary, 35 min,. 6 2 

Persecuted Dutchman, 30 min. 6 3 

Regular Fix, 35 min 6 4 

Rough Diamond, 40 min 4 3 

Second Childhood, 15 min 2 2 

Smith, the Aviator, 40 min... 2 3 

Taking Father's Place, 30 min. 5 3 

Taming a Tiger, 30 min 3 

That Rascal Pat, 30 min 3 2 

Those Red Envelopes, 25 min. 4 4 
Too Much of a Good Thing, 45 

min 3 6 

Treasure from Egypt, 45 min. 4 1 

^Turn Him Out, 35 min 3 2 

Two Aunts and a Photo, 20 m. 4 

Two Bonnycastles, 45 min.... 3 3 

Two Gentlemen in a Fix, 15 m. 2 

Two Ghosts in White, 20 min. . 8 

Two of a Kind, 40 min 2 3 

Uncle Dick's Mistake, 20 min. . 3 2 

Wanted a Correspondent, 45 m. 4 4 

Wanted a Hero, 20 min 1 1 

Which Will He Marry? 20 min. 2 8 

Who Is Who? 40 min 3 2 

Wide Enough for Two, 45 min. 5 2 

Wrong Baby, 25 min 8 

Yankee Peddler, 1 hr 7 3 



VAUDEVILLE SKETCHES, MON- 
OLOGUES, ETHIOPIAN PLAYS. 

Ax'in' Her Father, 25 min.^.. 2 3 
Booster Club of Blackville, 25 m.lO 
Breakfast Food for Two, 20 m. 1 1 

Cold Finish, 15 min 2 1 

Coon Creek Courtship, 15 min. 1 1 
Coming Champion, 20 min.... 2 
Coontown Thirteen Club, 25 m.l4 

Counterfeit Bills, 20 min 1 1 

Doings of a Dude, 20 min.... 2 1 

Dutch Cocktail, 20 min 2 

Five Minutes from Yell Col- 
lege, 15 min 2 

For Reform, 20 min 4 

Fresh Timothy Hay, 20 min.. 2 1 
Glickman, the Glazier, 25 min. 1 1 
Handy Andy (Negro), 12 min. 2 

Her Hero, 20 min 1 1 

Hey, Rube! 15 min 1 

Home Run, 15 min 1 1 

Hot Air, 25 min 2 1 

Jumbo Jum, 30 min 4 3 

Little Red School House, 20 m. 4 

Love and Lather, 35 min 3 2 

Marriage and After, 10 min.. 1 
Mischievous Nigger, 25 min.. 4 2 

Mistaken Miss, 20 min 1 1 

Mr. and Mrs. Fido, 20 min 1 1 

Mr. Badger's Uppers, 40 min. 4 2 
One Sweetheart for Two, 20 m. 2 
Oshkosh Next Week, 20 min.. 4 

Oyster Stew, 10 min 2 

Pete Yansen's Gurl's Moder, 10 

min '. 1 

Pickles for Two, 15 min 2 

Pooh Bah of Peacetown, 35 min. 2 2 
Prof. Black's Funnygraph, 15 m. 6 

Recruiting Office, 15 min 2 

Sham Doctor, 10 min 4 2 

Si and L 15 min 1 

Special Sale, 15 min 2 

Stage Struck Dajrky, 10 min.. 2 1 
Sunny Son of Italy, IS min.. 1 

Time Table, 20 min 1 1 

Tramp and the Actress, 20 min. 1 1 
Troubled by Ghosts, 10 min... 4 
Troubles of Rozinski, 15 min.. 1 
Two Jay Detectives, 15 min.. 3 

Umbrella Mender, 15 min 2 

Uncle Bill at the Vaudeville, 

15 min 1 

Uncle Jeff, 25 min 5 2 

Who Gits de Reward? 30 min. 5 1 

A sreai number of 

Standard and Amateur Plays 

not found here are listed In 

Denlson's Catalogue 



T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers,154 W. Randolph St. . Chicago 



LIBRARY OF 



POPULAR ENTERTAINMEI 

Price, Illustrated Paper Covers, 25 c 




.DENISON 
i COMPANY 
PU8USHERS CHICAGO 



TN this Series 
are found 
books touching 
every feature 
in the enter- 
tainment field. 
Finely made, 
good paper, 
clear print and 
each book has 
an attractive 
individual cov- 
er design. 



DOALOGUES 

All Sorts of Dialogues. 

Selected, fine for older pupils. 
Catchy Comic Dialogues. 

Very celver; for young people. 
Children's Comic Dialogues. 

From six to eleven years of age. 
Dialogues for District Schools. 

For country schools. 
Dialogues from Dickens. 

Thirteen selections. 
The Friday Afternoon Dialogues. 

Over 50,000 copies sold. 
From Tots to Teens. 

Dialogues "and recitations. 
Humorous Homespun Dialogues. 

For older ones. 
Little People's Plays. 

From 7 to 13 years of age. 
Lively Dialogues. 

For all ages; mostly humorous. 
Merry Little Dialogues. 

Thirty-eight original selections. 
When the Lessons are Over. 

Dialogues, drills, plays. 
Wide Awake Dialogues. 

Brand new, original, successful. 

SPEAKERS, MONOLOGUES 

Choice Pieces for Little People. 

A child's speaker. 
The Cornic Entertainer. 

Recitations, monologues, dialogues. 
Dialect Readings. 

Irish, Dutch, Negro, Scotch, etc. 
The Favorite Speaker. 

Choice prose and poetry. 
The Friday Afternoon Speaker. 

For pupils of all ages. 
Humorous Monologues. 

Particularly for ladies. 
Monologues for Young Folks. 

Clever, humorous, original. 
Monologues Grave and Gay. 

Dramatic and humorous. 
The Patriotic Speaker. 

Master thoughts of master minds. 




CONGRESS 



015 910 046 7 1 



The Poftica 

For reading 
Pomes ov the Peepul. 

Wit, humor, satire, funny poems. 
Scrap- Book Recitations. 

Choice collections, pathetic, hu- 
morous, descriptive, prose, 
poetry, 14 Nos., per No. 25c. 

DRILLS 

The Best Drill Book. 

Very popular drills and marches. 
The Favorite Book of Drills. 

Drills that sparkle with originality. 
Little Plays With Drills. 

For children from 6 to 11 years. 
The Surprise Drill Book. 

Fresh, novel, drills and marches. 

SPECIALTIES 

The Boys' Entertainer. 

Monologues, dialogues, drills. 
Children's Party Book. 

Plans, invitations, decorations, 
games. 
The Days We Celebrate. 

Entertainments for all the holidays. 
Good Things for Christmas. 

Recitations, dialogues, drills. 
Good Things for Thanksgiving. 

A gem of a book. 
Little Folks' Budget. 

Easy pieces to speak, songs. 
One Hundred Entertainments. 

New parlor diversions, socials. 
Patriotic Celebrations. 

Great variety of material. 
Pranks and Pastimes. 

Parlor games for children. 
Private Theatricals. 

How to put on plays. 
Shadow Pictures, Pantomimes, 

Charades, and how to prepare. 
Tableaux and Scenic Readings. 

New and novel; for all ages. 
Twinkling Fingers and Sway- 
ing Figures. For little tots. 
Yuletide Entertainments. 

A choice Christmas collection. 

MINSTRELS, JOKES 

Black American Joker. 

Minstrels' and end men's gags. 
A Bundle of Burnt Cork Comedy. 

Monologues, stump speeches, etc. 
Laughland, via the Ha-Ha 

Route. 

A merry trip for fun tourists. 
Negro Minstrels. 

All about the business. 
The New Jolly Jester. 

Funny stories, jokes, gags, etc. 

Large Illustrated Catalogue Free 



T.S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers, 154 W. Randolph St. . Chicago 



